To some extent it is a movie in search of a topic, a criticism leveled at the movie by several critics, including the film maker. A compelling glimpse into Namkhai Norbu's life, family and activity and unintentionally an expose of the lack of maturity and confidence in many Westerners in Dharma Circles (and a warning that upon the passing of our charismatic teachers things may irreparably fragment). While the focus shifts to the story of Yeshi's spiritual awakening, it is ultimately a tale of the development of a relationship between father and son.

"All memories and thoughts are the union of emptiness and knowing, the Mind.Without attachment, self-liberating, like a snake in a knot.Through the qualities of meditating in that way,Mental obscurations are purified and the dharmakaya is attained."

I really enjoyed the movie. Yes, it was a story about the relationship between father and son, albeit it was two tulku father and son. I think it also dispelled a lot of misunderstandings on how a genuine terton acts, teaches and relates to students. A really wonderful movie.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

The estrangement between father and son was sad to see. I think it is a symptom of Namkhai Norbu's monastic upbringing, that he wasn't able to relate warmly to his son. Seeing Norbu beat his cancer through his practice was impressive, though.

Tenzin1 wrote:The estrangement between father and son was sad to see. I think it is a symptom of Namkhai Norbu's monastic upbringing, that he wasn't able to relate warmly to his son. Seeing Norbu beat his cancer through his practice was impressive, though.

Maybe but lots of fathers and sons have communication problems and conflicts. Yeshi said in the movie that his father is very traditional in some aspects and was following a traditional model of a Tibetan master. In some clips Namkhai Norbu was clearly reaching out to Yeshi and was rebuffed, perhaps unintentionally.

Namkhai Norbu also clearly said that basically personality doesn't really change too much with realization. That is sobering.

It turns out that there are outtakes from "My Reincarnation" that didn't make it into the film itself but are being published. Here is one with CHNNR repeating part of the famous story of himself requesting and eventually receiving initiation from Changchub Dorje and a surprise at the end.

kirtu wrote:It turns out that there are outtakes from "My Reincarnation" that didn't make it into the film itself but are being published. Here is one with CHNNR repeating part of the famous story of himself requesting and eventually receiving initiation from Changchub Dorje and a surprise at the end.